BRUSSELS (AP) — The number of Syrian refugees leaving Lebanon is likely to keep rising, the head of a top international agency working with migrants warned Tuesday, as pressure builds due to their arrival on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization for Migration, said that around 3,000 Syrians have left Lebanon since January, compared to 4,500 for the whole of last year. Many of them have headed to Cyprus, about 110 miles (180 kilometers) away. In response, Cyprus suspended the processing of asylum applications by Syrian nationals earlier this month due to the large numbers. Cypriot authorities have reportedly dispatched police patrol vessels just outside Lebanese territorial waters to thwart refugee boats trying to head to Cyprus. Pope told The Associated Press that governments are cutting aid funding to agencies working with people who have fled Syria, which has been ravaged by civil war for over 13 years, and that this is making things worse. At the same time, some Lebanese communities are getting tired of hosting them. |
Defense and security among key issues in EU Parliament elections, survey showsAmed Rosario's RBI infield single in the 13th inning lifts the Rays to a 7Apple CEO says company is 'looking at' manufacturing in IndonesiaItaly seeks G7 message to deThe chemicals in your garage that may raise risk of incurable muscleCanton Fair opens in China with surge in overseas purchasersThe chemicals in your garage that may raise risk of incurable muscleLululemon partners with Team Canada after Nike was called out for Team USA kits ahead of Paris 2024European farBrian Austin Green says he's learned to 'pick his battles' while co